Pioneering naval officer, meteorologist, and oceanographer (1806-1873) who published the first textbook of modern oceanography. Superb LS signed “M. F. Maury,” seven pages, 7.75 x 9.75, April 14, 1856. Lengthy letter to Colonel Thomas Lewis Preston, impressing upon him the need for a National Institute, one that would rival the Smithsonian, in part: “Washington contemplated the establishment here of a great National University…Times changed and the idea of National University was expanded into that of a grand establishment for the promotion of science and the encouragement of art which shall be to this country, what the Royal Society and the British Museum are to England…With this view a charter was obtained from Congress about twenty years ago, incorporating such an Institution under the style and title of the National Institute. The charter was a liberal one. Under it the Society was immediately organized and it has been quietly making more or less progress up to this day, and now we think the time is at hand for a vigorous, and if well directed, a successful effort for placing it upon a proper footing…
When the National Institute was first incorporated, many of its most sincere friends were in favor of connecting it in some way directly with the government. But Mr. Smithson’s bequest becoming available about that time the public mind seems to have been directed to that, under the impression that the Institution thus founded was to be our great National Institution; whereas neither the will of the testator nor the act of Congress in furtherance thereof contemplates any such object. The Government is simply the trustee of the Smithsonian fund, and the Institution was established by the munificence of a private individual, not for the honor and glory of the Republic, but to perpetuate the name of an admiring foreigner. An Institution, in this country, to be truly National must be founded by the people, or in their name, and not by and in the name of any individual. Consequently, you will perceive, there can be no conflict between the National Institute and the Smithsonian, nor do they hold the same relation to the people.” In fine condition.
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